All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Eggplant And Lentils Cooked With Blend Of Spices

Eggplant And Lentils Cooked With Blend Of Spices

·   Baingan Bharta: Dish prepared by roasted eggplant. This is also a dish that uses blend of tomato sauce, onion, garlic, cilantro and spices and mix of gharam masala. Seasoned with cumin and coriander. It is a perfect vegan dish that has rich smoky aroma and serves antioxidants, fiber and goes well with rice, bread and any type of main dishes.

·   Masoor Dal: It is a simple delicious dish prepared using red lentil, curry leaves and ghram masala. Lentil is pressured cooked well and to this, cooked tomato and fried onion. Seasoned with cumin, red chilis, curry leaves and gharam masala. Flavor of spicy masoor dal will make you hungry and you will want it more. You can have this protein rich dish with basmati rice, rotis and can have it as soup.

Image credit:

1.       Dheerajk88, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

2.       https://in.pinterest.com/pin/672091944398402475/


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 30, 2023
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Vegetable Korma And Dal Full Of Fiber And Protein

Vegetable Korma And Dal Full Of Fiber And Protein

·  Vegetable Korma :Or Veggie Kurma is a vegan-friendly as well as gluten-free side dish.  It is prepared with coconut, ginger, garlic paste, green chilli and other Indian spices.  It will have different types of vegetables like – carrot, beans, potato, peas, tomato etc. It is one of the highly recommended side dishes for puri, chapati, rava idli and other Indian breads.

·   Dal (Makhani): Dal Makhani is a very popular dish from India. Makhan means whipped cream(butter) which is a dairy product. If you don’t want to use regular makhan then replace it with Almond butter.  Dish is made with lentils, kidney beans, tomatoes, onion and blend of spices, seasoned with cumin, mustard and cilantro. It is rich with protein and fiber and goes well with rice, rotis and chapatis.

Image credit:

1.       Edsel Little https://www.flickr.com/photos/edsel_/5596322631/in/photostream/ (CC by 2.0)

2.       Radhikamprabhu82, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Everyone Likes Rava Dosa And Masala Dosa Made With Batter

Everyone Likes Rava Dosa And Masala Dosa Made With Batter

·  Rava Dosa: Prepared by using Suji or finely cracked wheat is an Indian breakfast or evening snack. It generally contains suji, rice and plain flour. One can add cut onion, grated carrot, green chilis, cut cilantro to the batter and make the dosa on tava easily. Premade powder will available in most Indian stores and it does not need any fermentation or soaking and grinding. Crispy rava dosa tastes good with cilantro, coconut or tomato chutney.

·  Masala Dosa : Most popular South Indian breakfast item. Batter is prepared using rice, urad dal (lentil) at 3:1 ratio. It is a well-balanced protein and carbohydrate combination and makes it perfect for breakfast just like idli. Masala dosa with potato curry, chutney or chutney powder is a delicious combination served in most restaurants. The batter needs fermentation.

Image credit:

1.       Prakash G, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

2.       Sumitbanti, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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DELICIOUS TWELVE COMMON AND POPULAR INDIAN VEGAN FOODS ONE SHOULD TRY

Delicious Twelve Common And Popular Indian Vegan Foods One Must Try

Indian foods are known for their unique taste, spice and complex flavor pairings. In past decade Indian foods popularity is increasing and there is much demand for ready to eat Indian foods. Another reason for popularity of Indian food is, growing number of Vegans around the world. Recently Taste Atlas – a popular travel guide listed best rated vegan dishes of the world and seven of the Indian popular dishes are ranked in the list.

Do you know? For Indians vegan food is nothing new. Most of us Indians have grown tasting vegan food. Reason for this is, many of the Indian foods are vegan or easily can be modified to vegan friendly foods. Plant based foods that are popularly available in most Indian restaurants can be cooked without dairy products like butter, ghee or paneer. In fact, when you ask Indian chefs, they will accommodate your request to make the dish vegan. At home of most Indians, on daily basis the snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner items including curries, sambar or rice dishes are cooked as vegetarian foods can be easily modified to vegan by not adding the ingredients that make it non-vegan!  Most of the Indian foods contain lentils, herbs, grains, spices that make it to vegan dish. There are certain dishes that need ghee, paneer, yogurt but can be modified to vegan foods.

For those who love taste of meat but want to be a vegan, there are options where one can replace meat with certain plant ingredients (probably tastes like meat).

· Indian Eggplant – Tastes like seafood when seasoned with onion, tomatoes, gharam masala

· Jackfruit – considered as one of the superfoods, for non-vegetarians’ jackfruit curry looks like chicken dish. In India it is one of the popular fruit people eat during the season.

·  Cauliflower – When deep fried, cauliflower smell and taste is different.

·  Tofu -Soy based tofu is a replacement for Indian paneer.

·  Mushrooms -Adding Indian spices and certain herbs makes mushroom a popular ingredient in vegan dishes as it gives aroma of non-veg foods.

If you are a vegan and new to Indian foods, then try these popular twelve foods that are delicious and easy to prepare.

Image credit: Imagen de BANITA TOUR en Pixabay (cc by 0)

 

Everyone Likes Rava Dosa And Masala Dosa Made With Batter: Read more

Rava Dosa

Vegetable Korma And Dal Full Of Fiber And Protein: Read More

Vegetable Korma

Eggplant And Lentils Cooked With Blend Of Spices: Read More

Eggplant and Lentils

Potato, Cauliflower Cambo And Jack Fruit Curry: Read More

Potato Cauliflower

Spiced Up Sprouted Seeds With Tasty Pav And Potato Filled Samosa: Read More

Samosa Recipe

Big Bean Curry And Garbanzo – Chickpea Masala: Read More

Big Bean Curry


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Skin itching relief

Natural Ways To Reduce And Control Skin Itching

Skin itching can be caused by a variety of factors, including dry skin, allergies, insect bites, winter weather or skin conditions like eczema. To alleviate itching, we can follow some of the below home remedies.

Keep your skin moisturized: Dry skin can often lead to itching. Apply a natural, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or aloe vera can be soothing.

Oatmeal baths: Add finely ground oatmeal to your bathwater. Oatmeal can help relieve itching and soothe irritated skin.

Cool compress: Apply a cold, damp cloth or ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to the itchy area for a few minutes. This can provide temporary relief.

Baking soda paste: Make a paste by mixing baking soda with water and apply it to the itchy area. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with cool water.

Honey: Honey has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Applying a thin layer of honey to the itchy skin can help reduce itching and promote healing.

Aloe vera gel application: Aloe vera gel, directly from the plant or in a natural form, can be applied to itchy skin to soothe and moisturize.

Tea tree oil: Diluted tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Use a carrier oil (like coconut oil or sesame oil) and apply a small amount to the itchy area. Be cautious with essential oils, as some people may be sensitive to them.

Calendula cream: Calendula is known for its soothing properties. Applying a calendula cream or ointment can help with itching.

Chamomile tea bag: Chamomile tea bags, when steeped in hot water, can be used as a compress on itchy areas. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and calming effects.

Avoid irritants: Identify and avoid potential irritants or allergens that may be contributing to the itching, such as certain soaps, detergents, or clothing materials.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, which can reduce itching.

Wear loose, breathable clothing: Choose clothing made from natural, breathable materials like cotton to prevent skin irritation.

Mild soaps: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps when washing your skin. Harsh soaps can strip your skin of natural oils and worsen itching.

Stress reduction: Stress can exacerbate itching. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress and itching.

If your itching persists, worsens, or is associated with other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult doctor or dermatologist to rule out any underlying skin conditions or allergies. They can test and recommend appropriate treatments or medications to address the cause of your itching.

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/users/iqbalstock-12845379/ (free for commercial use)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Baby hearing loss signs

Understanding Loss of Hearing In Babies And Solutions

Hearing loss in babies can have various causes, and the treatment or intervention depends on the underlying cause and the degree of hearing loss. In babies hearing loss is when the baby is not able to hear in one or both ears. And, sometimes babies may lose part of the hearing or full hearing.

 It’s important to identify and address hearing issues in babies as early as possible to ensure they have the best opportunities for language and communication development.

Reasons for hearing loss in babies:

  • Family history
  • Low birth weight
  • Birth injuries – loss of oxygen,
  • Rh factor, jaundice, maternal diabetes, alcohol and drug usage by mother
  • Earwax
  • Fluid development behind eardrum
  • Rupture to eardrum
  • Objects blocking ear canal
  • Infection in eardrum resulting in scar
  • Problem with inner ear structure
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals when baby is in mother’s womb.

Some of the syndromes babies can have could be the reason hearing loss: Down syndrome, Usher syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Alport syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome.

Hearing loss in babies and infants varies by age. In newborn when there is a loud noise baby may not startle (congenital hearing loss). In infants (age 8 months up to 15 months) may not show reaction to familiar voices. At the age of two child is expected to speak 2-word sentences and if they don’t reach this milestone then it could be due to hearing loss.

Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, or profound. Profound is babies unable to hear anything and it is called deafness. It is important to consult pediatricians and audiologists to determine the most appropriate solution for a baby with hearing loss, as the specific needs and interventions can vary. Early intervention and a supportive, nurturing environment play a critical role in a child’s overall development, especially when addressing hearing loss in infancy.

Here are some solutions and interventions for babies with deafness or hearing impairment:

  1. Newborn hearing screening: Many countries have implemented newborn hearing screening programs to identify hearing issues shortly after birth. This helps in early detection and intervention.
  2. Hearing aids: For babies with hearing loss, hearing aids can be an effective solution. Pediatric audiologists can assess the degree and type of hearing loss and recommend appropriate hearing aids if necessary.
  3. Cochlear implants: In cases of severe to profound hearing loss, cochlear implants may be recommended. These electronic devices are surgically implanted to provide direct electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve, allowing the child to perceive sound.
  4. Auditory verbal therapy: For babies and young children with hearing loss who receive hearing aids or cochlear implants, auditory-verbal therapy is often recommended. This therapy helps children develop listening skills and the ability to use spoken language to communicate.
  5. Sign language: Some families choose to use sign language, such as American Sign Language or other forms of sign language, to communicate with their deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Sign language can be an effective means of communication for those with significant hearing loss.
  6. Early intervention services: Access to early intervention services, such as speech therapy and language development programs, can be crucial in helping babies with hearing loss develop their communication skills.
  7. Educational support: As a child with hearing loss grows, they may benefit from educational support services, including accommodations in the classroom and access to special education programs.
  8. Supportive family environment: A supportive and nurturing family environment is essential for the child’s emotional and psychological well-being. It’s important for parents to learn about hearing loss and how to support their child’s development.
  9. Regular monitoring: Hearing needs can change over time, so regular hearing assessments and follow-up appointments with audiologists and healthcare providers are important to ensure that the child’s hearing devices are working effectively.
  10. Advocacy and support groups: Families of children with hearing loss may find it helpful to connect with advocacy and support groups for information, resources, and emotional support.

It is important for pregnant women to take all the vaccinations as advised by gynecologist. Before taking medications get to know the details of medicines and inform your doctor.  Take all precautions to avoid loud noise and other types of exposure that could harm your baby.

References:

https://www.mountsinai.org/

https://www.asha.org/

https://www.healthyhearing.com/

Image credit: Image by <a href=”https://pixabay.com/users/woodypino-3423923/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1863964″>Josef Pichler</a> from <a href=”https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1863964″>Pixabay</a>


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: October 19, 2023
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Self control

The key to success: Self-control

Self-control is simple phrase but it has deep meaning and powerful message. One can say self control is controlling oneself or controlling one’s action and thinking. The deeper meaning is selecting or choosing one’s own thoughts by making a firm decision. When people lack confidence and for every decision they depend on others they will not have a clear goal in life and will be far away from success. All great leaders in their respective fields know that no one can control others unless he first controls himself. Lack of self-control many times has negative impact on success in life.

“Most of the problems that plague modern individuals in our society — addiction, overeating, crime, domestic violence, sexually transmitted diseases, prejudice, debt, unwanted pregnancy, educational failure, underperformance at school and work, lack of savings, failure to exercise — have some degree of self-control failure as a central aspect”. Kirsten Weir

Self-control is a proven and significant key to success

Self-awareness is a key to self-control. How to develop self-control? Here are some thoughts…,

  1. No alcohol or limit alcohol: One can see that alcohol takes away the self-control and people blabber when they consume alcohol. The mind loses its ability to think and will ponder everywhere, as there are no definite or determined thoughts. Alcohol weakens self-awareness.
  2. Do not get stressed out too much: Too much stress causes strain to mind and when mind is restless, it results in poor judgment or no judgment at all. When the detachment develops, stress level goes down. Do your duty and leave the stress out.
  3. Do not be afraid to make mistakes: Everybody commit mistakes in life. That should not stop anyone to grow. Do not be critical on yourself when you commit mistake. By making mistake one will learn. This is nature, because this gives experience. Do not ignore how the mistake makes you feel; just do not wallow in it. When you are afraid to make mistake, you will lose control on yourself.
  4. Do not lose your temper: When you are making important decisions, if someone tells you what to do just listen to them. Do not argue and do not lose your temper. Losing temper will impair your judgment and you will lose control of your thoughts.  Listening to others is not going to hurt you. The main objective here is taking proper decision and not losing control on oneself.
  5. Unnecessary spending: The desire to buy something or anything is a habit of many people. We do not think about spending hard earn money when we feel like buying something. It can cause trouble or we may end up in debt. This is due to lack of self -control.  Take control of yourself and analyze yourself – think for a minute whether you really need it before spending. This helps to develop self-awareness and self-control.
  6. Talking too much: Some people have habit of talking too much and will not others to talk. Jumping and taking the conversation away from another person is not only discourteous, but it deprives the person who does it of many valuable opportunities to learn from the other person. Learn to listen and will help you develop control on your thoughts and talk.
  7. Do not lose sight of productivity: Irritation and underlying arguments at home or work is the cause of lack of productivity. Keep yourself focused and make up your mind to be productive. This will lead to success.
  8. Develop will power: The ability to resist temptation and restrain our impulses is will power. When we have sufficient will power we control ourselves. Will power is more important than the looks, money and other desires. Practice will power and you will find happiness.
  9. Meditation: Do not underestimate the power of meditation. It helps to take control on ones’ own thoughts. Why do you think sages and monks appear calm and kind always? Meditation helps them in controlling destructive thoughts. Meditation actually trains your brain to become a self-control machine.

“More than talent or native intelligence, it’s the mental toughness mindset that enables us to achieve our goals” Renita Kalhorn

Self-control is the most important factor in achieving what you want . If you want to succeed – take care of your self-control!

 References:

1) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse

2) http://www.talentsmart.com/

3) http://www.apa.org/

Image credit: Image by Capri Tography from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)


Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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